scot-free

[ skot-free ]

adjective

1. completely free from harm, restraint, punishment, or obligation:

   The driver of the car escaped from the accident scot-free. The judge let the defendant off scot-free.

scot-free

adverb

1. predicative without harm, loss, or penalty

Word History and Origins

Origin of scot-free¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; scot, -free

Word History and Origins

Origin of scot-free¹

C16: see scot and lot

Example Sentences

But I also think about the alternative, which is for him to just walk away scot-free.

From Slate

Getting away with this scot-free in Syria ultimately taught Putin that he could use the same scorched-earth mass casualty strategy against the rest of Ukraine.

From Salon

If Mohamud’s appeal fails, Weyker will walk away scot-free, and government officials nationwide will receive another signal that they’re immune, even when they commit the most egregious constitutional violations.

From Slate

It is a disappointment to anyone tired of seeing Trump get off scot-free.

From Salon

Courts regularly apply the doctrine when there is a tiny discrepancy between a previous case and the facts at hand as an excuse to let the officer off scot-free.

From Slate